Strike action hit Southport as council workers set up picket lines across the borough

STRIKE action hit Southport on Wednesday and Thursday as council workers set up picket lines across the borough.

Southport’s Splashworld turned away swimmers, Sefton council meetings ground to a halt without support staff and refuse collectors refused to pick up rubbish.

Meanwhile, children enjoyed a day or two off from the classroom as nine Sefton schools closed over a 48-hour period due to the strike.

Christ Church CE Primary, Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary, Springwell Park, the junior department of Thomas Gray Junior School, Newfield, Chesterfield High School, Deyes High School and Holy Family Catholic High School all closed on Wednesday.

Hillside High School was closed yesterday due to the action.

Unison, the public sector union behind the strikes, said picket lines were being well supported.

A spokesman told the Visiter: “We had a very positive response and the majority of our members went out on strike across the borough.

“Very few went in to work during the two-day strike and schools were closed.

“A lot of bin wagons didn’t go out and those that did had problems because Mersey Waste reception centres, staffed by union members, also supported the strike.”

One Southport council worker, Frank Melling, said the public had been understanding about the industrial action.

He said: “They have been extremely supportive.

“We have been working in the Churchtown area and we’ve been surprised by the level of support from people.

“All of the Unison and Unite workers have one basic aim – a review of the 2.45% limit that has been set on our wage claim.”

Trade unions claim the pay deal amounts to a wage cut.

But Conservative councillor for Dukes Ward David Pearson worried about the damage done to Southport’s image during the Open Championship. It is just very unfortunate, really.

“It does not give a good image to the town at a time when 200,000 visitors are here.

“It is their choice to strike when they want, when they can cause the most disruption.

“I do understand that the economic climate is difficult for people at the lower end of the pay scale – but that’s a problem for the government.”